In Iowa gun laws changed in 2011 when enforcement of gun control laws became statewide issue. Previously, Iowa gun permits were controlled by the Sheriffs in each county. But now it’s possible to receive a gun permit as long as you pass a background check and do not have a history of mental illness. No eyes necessary, apparently.

Many state gun laws require a proof of vision in order to receive a gun permit. Iowa gun permit laws are a bit different since the law technically allows blind gun permits. Blind people are even allowed to publicly carry weapons. So, Michael Barbers applied for an Iowa gun permit as a legally blind person.

Michael Barber claims his eyes are not necessary for an Iowa gun permit:

“When you shoot a gun, you take it out and point and shoot, and I don’t necessarily think eyesight is necessary…. If someone is attacking me, I’m going to be able to hear what they’re doing, and if I need to use the weapon, I’ll use the weapon.”

Jane Hudson with Disability Rights Iowa is fighting to allow blind gun permits in other states. She believes the “fact that you can’t drive a car doesn’t mean you can’t go to a shooting range and see a target.” But Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere says blind gun permits are unreasonable, saying that if you see “nothing but a blurry mass in front of you, then I would say you probably shouldn’t be shooting something.”